Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has strengthened its commitment to community engagement and developing future health professionals through a Grade 9 Career Expo and Subject Choice Guidance Programme held in collaboration with Royal Bafokeng Health and Social Development Services (HSDS).
The programme brought together Grade 9 learners from Molotlegi Secondary School and Thithi Secondary School, along with 27 SMU delegates from Radiography, Emergency Medical Care (EMC), and the Department of Physiology.
The programme was designed to expose learners to health sciences careers and help them make informed decisions about subject choices and potential academic pathways. Grade 9 is an important stage in learners’ education, as subject choices can influence their future studies and career opportunities.
During the programme, SMU representatives introduced learners to the university and provided insight into the various opportunities available within the health sciences. Learners were divided into smaller groups of approximately ten and rotated between interactive stations, allowing them to engage directly with SMU students and facilitators.
James Sambo, a third-year Bachelor of Diagnostic Radiography student, said “Early career guidance is important because it helps learners understand different career options and make informed choices about their futures. It also helps them identify the high school subjects they need to qualify for their chosen careers. Exposure to the healthcare sector gives learners a better understanding of the different health professions, their roles and their contributions to hospitals and communities.”
The Radiography, EMC, and Physiology stations gave learners an opportunity to explore different health professions and understand how school subjects connect with university programmes and potential career pathways. Current SMU students also offered learners relatable perspectives on university life, academic preparation, and pursuing a career in the health sciences.
Career information displays and take-home materials further supported engagement by providing information on programmes, admission considerations, subject requirements, and possible pathways into the health sciences. These resources were intended to provide learners with information they could revisit after the expo as they consider their academic choices.
“Interacting with learners helps us build a connection and show them that we are people who have faced challenges too. Sharing our university experiences makes it easier for them to ask questions, relate to our journeys and consider careers in health sciences they may not have known about,” said Mukovheli Gemeli, third-year B Rad student.
In addition to the career guidance activities, Royal Bafokeng HSDS arranged for an Adolescent Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) nurse from a nearby clinic to engage learners on health-related matters, including a brief information session on Lenacapavir. The nurse also made consultations available at the Youth Centre clinic space.
The initiative strengthened collaboration between SMU, Royal Bafokeng HSDS and participating schools, while creating a foundation for continued engagement. Future initiatives could include annual or periodic career expos, subject-choice guidance, application information sessions, school-based talks, mentorship programmes and health awareness activities.
The programme demonstrates SMU’s broader commitment to using education, community engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration to support the development of future health professionals. By taking health sciences education beyond the university campus and directly into communities, SMU continues to support informed educational choices while contributing to a stronger pipeline of health professionals for South Africa.
By Tumelo Moila
